Create a separate page linked to your Portfolio page and write a short summary of Feminist theatre, some details of which are found in your course packet (pages 21 and 22). At the end of your summary, argue for or against the designation of Trifles as a Feminist play.
Feminist theatre, which began around the 1970's, is a genre of theatre that revolves around U.S. feminism and emphasizes a more egalitarian view of society, where men and women are viewed and treated as equals. Typically this genre reflects the wrongs of oppressing women in a patriarchal society where men possess all power, as was the United States prior to the birth of the feminist movement in the late 1960's. Feminist theatre allowed feminists another outlet to voice their opinions on the inequality women faced. This new public stage brought to light countless issues women dealt with during this time and helped prove how this unequal treatment was wrong. Soon, women were praised for their talent in feminist theatre such as the playwrights Beth Henley, Marsha Norman, and Lily Tomlin, who all won Pulitzer Prizes for their work. Alternative feminist theatre slowly declined in the 1980's, however feminist writing and criticism has increased which holds hope for a rebirth of feminist theatre. I definitely believe Trifles is a feminist piece. First, the playwright focuses on the women of the story, making sure to paint them as intelligent, thoughtful individuals. She also sheds a light on the mistreatment of women in that time period when the men of the story start joking about how women are only good for domestic housework. This story illustrates how women could have been a much more vital part of society if not for its patriarchal state. While this piece focuses on the unequal treatment of men and women and the undermined value of women, it also emphasizes how intelligent and strong women were, despite their reputation in society during this time.
Feminist Theatre Summary
Create a separate page linked to your Portfolio page and write a short summary of Feminist theatre, some details of which are found in your course packet (pages 21 and 22). At the end of your summary, argue for or against the designation of Trifles as a Feminist play.
Feminist theatre, which began around the 1970's, is a genre of theatre that revolves around U.S. feminism and emphasizes a more egalitarian view of society, where men and women are viewed and treated as equals. Typically this genre reflects the wrongs of oppressing women in a patriarchal society where men possess all power, as was the United States prior to the birth of the feminist movement in the late 1960's. Feminist theatre allowed feminists another outlet to voice their opinions on the inequality women faced. This new public stage brought to light countless issues women dealt with during this time and helped prove how this unequal treatment was wrong. Soon, women were praised for their talent in feminist theatre such as the playwrights Beth Henley, Marsha Norman, and Lily Tomlin, who all won Pulitzer Prizes for their work. Alternative feminist theatre slowly declined in the 1980's, however feminist writing and criticism has increased which holds hope for a rebirth of feminist theatre. I definitely believe Trifles is a feminist piece. First, the playwright focuses on the women of the story, making sure to paint them as intelligent, thoughtful individuals. She also sheds a light on the mistreatment of women in that time period when the men of the story start joking about how women are only good for domestic housework. This story illustrates how women could have been a much more vital part of society if not for its patriarchal state. While this piece focuses on the unequal treatment of men and women and the undermined value of women, it also emphasizes how intelligent and strong women were, despite their reputation in society during this time.